Sufi singer Madan Gopal Singh performs at the Spicmacay convention at Ravenshaw University in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 25: A magical spell of spiritual and divine Sufi music enthralled the audience on Day Two of the ongoing national convention of Spicmacay at Ravenshaw University here.

Earlier on the opening day, the people witnessed some brilliant dance performances and melodious rendition of Indian classical music.

Renowned Sufi singer, Dr Madan Gopal Singh, seemed to be at his best as he performed a kalma (an Urdu prayer), Alif Allah chamberi booti, as a tribute to his gurus.

Presenting a number of popular and hit numbers, Singh immediately struck a chord with the audience with his seasoned, robust voice. Later, he sang Socho to zara, which is based on works by Kabir and Baba Bulle Saha.

“Sufism has basically two aspects — Sama (listening) and Zikr (remembrance). It is very important to strike the perfect note while singing, as Sufism is all about devotion,” the veteran singer said. Singh also tried to recreate a spiritual ambience by singing songs in Punjabi with quotes from Rumi and Kabir and even sang a translated song of legendary musician John Lennon. However, it was famous Thaiya Thaiya that filled the air with energy even as the crowd was left spellbound at the Ravenshaw Heritage hall.

“It was one of the rare performances that one gets to witness. The entire performance was simply outstanding. It would have been great if the programme had been extended beyond one hour,” said a spectator from New Delhi.

It was the extensive use of instruments including the Punjabi dhol, tabla, sarod and other instruments, that made the performance more appealing to the younger generation, especially those who are interested in racy and jazzy Bollywood songs.

“We are grateful to Spicmacay for having organised the convention at Ravenshaw University since we are now getting ample opportunity to interact with the legends from various fields and listen to their music,” said another spectator.

According to Singh, nagma, rubai and mukhda, and takrar are the most vital ingredients of Sufi songs. His music was accompanied by the beats of Gurmeet Singh’s tabla and dhol and Pritam Ghosal’s sarod. Deepak Catelon, who plays banjo and brass guitar, also added to the melodious piece of music, creating a perfect ambience for spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the experiments with the Sufi style of singing.

“In all our performances, we try to give the background of the songs as well as translate them into the common language which helps the listeners to understand the basics of Sufism.

“Spicmacay, which organises programmes on different campuses across the country, has done a world of good in reviving Indian classical music,” Singh said.

“Orissa is the land of Lord Jagannath. It is a big and rich state with important, indigenous dance forms, which have been appreciated across the length and breadth of the country.

“I look forward to promote Sufi music among music lovers here,” Singh added.